IAF’s $2 billion tanker tender attracts Airbus, Ilyushin bids
22 Jan 2011
European aerospace giants, Airbus Military and the Russian Ilyushin design bureau are locked in a straight two-way fight for India's revived competition for six in-flight refuelling aircraft. American rival Boeing has opted out of the bidding process.
While the European consortium Airbus has its A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) on offer the Russians are in contention with an improved version of the Ilyushin Il-78 tanker.
The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of seven Il-78MKs.
India's ministry of defence issued a fresh request for proposals for six tankers last year in September, reviving an aborted tender which is worth atleast $2 billion.
Delhi previously selected the Airbus A330 MRTT but failed to seal the contract as the ministry of finance questioned the cost of the deal.
The A330 MRTT already counts Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the UK amongst its clients and maybe ahead in the race for the Indian contract.
